Over 28,000 Cumbrian women missed cervical screenings during pandemic
It's Cervical Cancer Prevention Week - and we're being told the amount of people going for smear tests is lower than ever
Nearly a quarter women eligible for cervical screening in Cumbria during 2020/21 didn't attend an appointment.
It means an estimated 28,710 women in the area missed out on the potentially life-saving programme during the pandemic.
Kate, from Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, has told us that almost 1 in 3 people don't attend screening when invited.
"That's a really, really huge number and it's been falling for many years. Cervical screenings isn't always be an easy test. It can be embarrassing, it can be difficult, it can be scary, but it is so so important. If you are overdue your cervical screening then there is support out there and there are tips out there.
"Do go see your GP if you are experiencing anything and make sure you're clued up on the symptoms. Get involved with cervical cancer prevention week, we really want to encourage the sharing of stories, tips and experiences, because your experience might help someone else feel a little bit less alone when they get the results of their screening results, or a little bit more able to take up their invite."
Kate has told us one of the most common symptoms is abnormal bleeding - for example in between periods or after the menopause.
"It's also really important to be aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer. One of the most common is abnormal bleeding, and that means between periods and after the menopause. If you are bleeding, the chances are it is something completely non cancer related, but it's always best to get it checked out just in case."